Benefits

Students come to see me for a range of reasons, with many different goals. Below, I share some of the benefits from my own practice over the last 15 years.

Musicians, actors, dancers, and athletes come both for injury relief and to improve their performance. In most cases, pain will lessen, and they will experience a fuller understanding of their instrument. Overall performance will improve as they learn a more sustainable use of themselves in practicing their art or sport. The practice of whole being presence leads to fuller embodiment of expression.

People with pre-diagnosed chronic pain come to see me—especially those with back or neck pain who have tried modality after modality, and are desperate for a solution. Usually my students find significant and quite often lasting relief, both physically and emotionally. They learn how to notice tiny warning signs and can address future flare-ups on their own before the pain gets bad again.

People interested in better posture certainly learn that the principles of this work—decompression from the inside out—are are happy to find sustainable and achievable ways to practice as they go about their normal schedule—not just in a posture or exercise class.

People with Parkinson’s have a lot to gain from lessons. The simple principles I emphasize for them make sitting, speaking and walking easier. They develop a stronger sense of self-empowerment.

Yoga and Pilates teachers spend a lot of time emphasizing proper form for their clients, yet they can still suffer from their own old habits of over-doing and over-efforting. Teachers who work with me become more sophisticated in their experience and understanding of the human head/neck/back integration. And they tell me that as they incorporate Alexander language and principles in their classes, their clients and students improve.

Computer users and people with pain from sitting many hours are some of my most successful students. When they learn how they can take care of their own bodies, and minds, during long workdays, they experience a big difference in how they feel. Often students with RSIs see improvement in their symptoms and stay for the many benefits of the Technique.

Therapists and body workers find that they can be more comfortable in their own bodies as they sit and/or work. If they are also presenters, their work on breath and voice create easier and more effective lectures. They also become even better “readers” of the postural states of their clients.

Horse riders, especially Dressage riders are exceptional Alexander students since the principles of classical dressage training for the horse are strikingly similar to the principles practiced in the Technique. Alexander has even been called “Dressage for humans”! More efficiency and integration through the rider’s head/neck/back contributes positively to the integration and beauty of the horse’s movement.

Alexander Teacher Trainees work with me to learn my style of teaching which includes a lot of activities, handouts, videos and “home play” explorations. Since my background includes high-level Dressage training, Alexander teachers will study with me so as to better work with riders in their own practices.

What I find most exciting and rewarding in my practice is that everyone, to a greater or lesser degree, also deepens in their sense and understanding of their potential to choose how they live. Like all serious students of the Alexander Technique, they discover that as they let go of ingrained habits, they become more fully present for themselves and the people with whom they share their lives. For all of us, the embodiment of the Alexander Technique principles can be explored and developed for a lifetime.